Mahwah Public Schools Provides Glimpse Into Reopening Discussions

MAHWAH, NJ — In a five-minute video first posted to Twitter Monday night, members of the various reopening task forces within Mahwah Public Schools provided an update on the progress of the district's reopening plans.

The video was the first look into what Mahwah schools could look like for the upcoming fall semester, and also a look into how that decision was being made.

"We know that there are a number of questions and concerns revolving around reentry for our schools, for both our students and our staff," said Director of Curriculum and Instruction Michael DeTuro.

Assistant Superintendent Dennis Fare said the video released Monday night was only the first update.

"We planned for this video message to be one of many to follow to communicate with you our plans for the reopening this fall," he said.

Fare said information regarding fall schedules will be announced "in the coming days," and the reopening plan will be presented at an Aug. 5 Board of Education meeting.

DeTuro began the video by explaining that a reentry task force has been created, made up of about 40 members consisting of teachers, medical experts, parents and others. State and local government guidance is also being relied upon, he said.

Three committees make up the re-entry task force groups at the school, and deal with three different aspects of reopening: instruction, social-emotional learning and facilities, food services and transportation.

Director of Guidance Dominick Gliatta and School Social Worker Craig Alfano are the Chairmen of the social-emotional learning committee, and discussed the prioritization of health and wellness upon a return to school in the video.

They said that subcommittees have been formed to address student well-being, staff well-being, parents, family and community, and a nurse's subcommittee.

The latter will develop procedures and protocols for the entirety of the district, focusing on the health safety of all those in the buildings.

Hank Kuipers is the co-chair of the instructional committee, and said the group has been meeting over the last several weeks, and will eventual make recommendations for instruction during the fall semester.

Principal Linda Bovino said the group is discussing how to implement the curriculum, provide assessments and administer necessary professional development for staff.

The final group, food services and transportation, will deal with the logistics of how students get to school, enter the school, eat lunch at the school and also how the school is cleaned.

Watch the full video update below: